(RTTNews) -  Suicide bomb attacks in Afghanistan's southern city of Kandahar left at least 30 people dead and over 50 others injured. The four suicide bombers targeted Kandahar's main prison and a local police station that caused nearby buildings to collapse. The bombers on two motor cycles and two bicycles also targeted a guest house in Al-Jadid market and a mosque. The attacks took place at about 8:15 p.m. local time.

The Taliban through their website claimed responsibility for the attack and said it was a warning for the NATO forces in Afghanistan. NATO forces had openly indicated Kandahar as their next major target for military operation, a region known for widespread Taliban activity.
The attack on the prison may have been an attempt to free inmates from the prison, with a similar Taliban effort in June 2008 freed nearly 1000 prisoners including several suspected militants. This time around, the attempt on the prison was unsuccessful as it was well guarded and reinforced, according to officials.

The blast at Kandahar police headquarters killed at least four policeman, while details of casualties at the guest house which could include some women and children amongst others, were not clear. Sources from the Kandahar's main hospital indicated both civilians and police among the dead.

by RTT Staff Writer

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